Pride and Prejudice: A Reversed Sense and Sensibility
Although both Elinor and Marianne Dashwood are (appropriately) recognized as co-heroines of Sense and Sensibility, I would still say that Elinor's forbidden romance with Edward is given slightly more attention than the love triangle between Willoughby, Marianne, and Colonel Brandon. The narrator certainly provides Elinor's point-of-view far more often than Marianne's. So Elinor's romance serves as the A-plot, so to speak, while Marianne's story provides a very prominent B-plot.
In Pride and Prejudice, the A-plot is obviously Elizabeth's relationship with Mr. Darcy; the B-plot would be Jane's relationship with Bingley, although it isn't given half as much prominence as Marianne's story is in S&S.
What I find interesting is: Austen flipped the types of romances used for the A- and B-plots of the two novels. Elinor's and Edward's story corresponds with Jane's and Bingley's, while Elizabeth's and Darcy's story corresponds with Marianne's and Brandon's.
The Sisters:
Sense and Sensibility
Pride and Prejudice
The Dashwood sisters are complete opposites: the younger (Marianne) is far livelier than the elder (Elinor), one is quiet and reserved (Elinor) while the other is far more spirited (Marianne), they desire different traits in potential husbands, and judge differently in many situations (ex. Elinor disapproves of Marianne's and Willoughby's constant public displays of affection, but Marianne sees no impropriety in their behavior).
The Bennet sisters are complete opposites: the younger (Elizabeth) is far livelier than the elder (Jane), one is quiet and reserved (Jane) while the other is far more spirited (Elizabeth), they desire different traits in potential husbands, and judge differently in many situations (ex. Elizabeth easily suspects Caroline Bingley of malicious deceit, but Jane initially refuses to).
Elinor is the only level-headed one in her family.
Jane and Elizabeth are the only level-headed ones in their family.
The Dashwoods are put in a dire financial situation following the death of their father unless the girls marry well.
The Bennets are in danger of someday being put in a dire financial situation upon the eventual death of their father unless the girls marry well.
Mr. Henry Dashwood would like to have Norland to provide for his wife and daughters, but it is willed to his son.
Mr. Bennet would like to have Longbourn to provide for his wife and daughters, but it is entailed on his cousin.
Sense and Sensibility: A-Romance
(Elinor/Edward)
Pride and Prejudice: B-Romance
(Jane/Bingley)
Elinor falls in love with a man (Edward) whose mother and siblings want him to marry a rich heiress (Miss Morton). Edward's sister (Fanny) interferes because they think Elinor is beneath him.
Jane falls in love with a man (Bingley) whose friend and sisters want him to marry a rich heiress (Miss Darcy). Bingley's sister (Caroline) interferes because they think Jane is beneath him.
Elinor's mother and sister support her relationship with Edward from the beginning, assuming their marriage is a sure thing.
Jane's family supports her relationship with Bingley from the beginning, and her mother assumes their marriage is a sure thing.
Elinor's family constantly accuse her of being cold and reserved. Marianne does not believe she acts enough like a girl in love.
Charlotte Lucas believes Jane gives no outward signs of encouragement to Bingley; she does not believe Jane acts enough like a girl in love. (Mr. Darcy will later confirm she was right.)
After Edward leaves Barton Cottage, Elinor struggles to hide her feelings, despite her love for him and pain when separated from him. She does not doubt her feelings for him but realizes there is too much opposition from his family.
After Bingley leaves Netherfield, Jane struggles to subdue her feelings, despite her love for him and pain when separated from him. She doubts his feelings for her and senses no opposition from his family.
Elinor learns Edward is “engaged” to Lucy Steele but does not believes he loves her.
Jane is led to believe that Bingley will soon be engaged to Georgiana Darcy. Jane believes he loves Miss Darcy, but Elizabeth does not.
Elinor travels to London. She fears encountering Edward.
Jane travels to London. Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner fear her encountering Bingley, but she doesn't.
Edward's mother and sister snub Elinor when she visits them in London.
Bingley's sister Caroline snubs Jane when she visits her in London.
From here, the parallels fade for awhile because the chief opposition to Elinor's and Edward's romance comes from Mrs. Ferrars, whose P&P counterpart Lady Catherine de Bourgh is not at all involved in Jane's and Bingley's romance.
Elinor gives up hope of ever being married to Edward before he unexpectedly returns to Barton Cottage to propose to her. The actual proposal happens “off-screen.”
Jane gives up of ever being married to Bingley before he unexpectedly returns to Netherfield to propose to her. The actual proposal happens “off-screen.”
The Dashwoods rejoice in the match while Marianne's romance is left to resolve in the far future.
The Bennets rejoice in the match while Elizabeth's romance is left to resolve in the near future.
Sense and Sensibility: B-Romance
(Marianne/Brandon)
Pride and Prejudice: A-Romance
(Elizabeth/Darcy)
Colonel Brandon is an incredibly rich but quiet, socially awkward man who has only loved one woman.
Mr. Darcy is an incredibly rich but quiet, socially awkward man who has never loved a woman.
Marianne's first impression of Brandon is that he is old, infirm, and dull; she is not at all attracted to him and thinks of him as the last man in the world whom she could ever be prevailed on to marry (if never using those exact words).
Elizabeth's first impression of Darcy is that he is rude, proud, and obnoxious; she is not at all attracted to him and thinks of him as “the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry.”
Soon after meeting her, Brandon is enchanted by Marianne's liveliness, wit, and spirit.
Soon after meeting her, Darcy is enchanted by Elizabeth's liveliness, wit, and spirit.
Brandon admires Marianne when others disapprove of her (ex. her defense of Elinor from Mrs. Ferrars' and Fanny's attacks).
Darcy admires Elizabeth when others disapprove of her (ex. walking all the way from Longbourn to Netherfield to check on an ill Jane).
Brandon makes no attempt to converse with or get better acquainted personally with Marianne because he believes he is not good enough for her (especially compared to Willoughby). He settles for admiring her from afar.
Darcy makes no attempt to converse with or get better acquainted personally with Elizabeth because he believes she is not good enough for him. He starts by observing her from afar.
Sir John Middleton and Mrs. Jennings quickly begin joking about Brandon marrying Marianne.
Caroline Bingley quickly begins joking about Darcy marrying Elizabeth.
As Brandon's attraction to her grows, Marianne becomes attracted to the dashing, handsome, charming, charismatic, universally-liked Willoughby.
As Darcy's attraction to her grows, Elizabeth becomes attracted to the dashing, handsome, charming, charismatic, universally-liked Wickham.
Willoughby mocks Brandon, making fun of him in front of Marianne.
Wickham slanders Darcy, lying to Elizabeth about their past and painting his character in a false, horrible light.
Elinor advises Marianne on the impropriety of her relationship with Willoughby. Marianne disagrees with her and doesn't heed her advice.
Mrs. Gardiner advises Elizabeth on the folly of getting too attached to Wickham. Elizabeth disagrees with her but heeds her advice.
Willoughby suddenly has to leave Marianne, and she is heartbroken.
Wickham suddenly begins paying attention to Mary King, and Elizabeth is surprised she is not heartbroken.
The next three events happen in a different order in the two books:
With no warning or immediate explanation, Willoughby abandons Marianne for the wealthy Sophia Grey, devastating the Dashwoods.
With no warning or immediate explanation, Wickham runs off with Lydia, devastating the Bennets.
Willoughby's marriage gives Brandon reason to hope, but he still does not pursue Marianne because he can see it would displease her. He knows how to take “No” for an answer.
Darcy proposes to Elizabeth but leaves when she refuses him. He knows how to take “No” for an answer.
Brandon reveals Willoughby's true character by telling Elinor (who later tells Marianne) the story of how Willoughby seduced and ruined his ward Eliza. The revelation slightly increases Marianne's respect for Brandon. Her first impressions of Willoughby are shattered.
Darcy reveals Wickham's true character in his letter that tells Elizabeth the story of how Wickham tried to seduce his sister Georgiana. The revelation increases Elizabeth's respect for Darcy. Her first impressions of Darcy and Wickham are shattered.
Marianne is disillusioned and humbled by Elinor's conduct compared with her own, particularly because her folly led to a nearly-fatal illness.
Elizabeth is disillusioned and humbled by Darcy's letter, particularly because she always prided herself on the contrast of her conduct with her sister's.
Brandon comes to Edward's rescue by offering him the Delaford living and earns Marianne's gratitude when he brings her mother to her during her illness.
Darcy comes to the Bennet family's rescue and earns Elizabeth's gratitude by bringing about Lydia's marriage to Wickham.
Marianne shocks Mrs. Ferrars by standing up to her and defending Elinor. Brandon is impressed as he watches it. (out of order)
Elizabeth shocks Lady Catherine by standing up to her and defending herself. Darcy is pleased when he hears about it. (The corresponding scene happened much earlier in S&S.)
Marianne eventually learns that her first impressions were wrong and that Colonel Brandon is the perfect man for her. Her sentiments undergo a complete reversal. The resolution happens entirely “off-screen.”
Elizabeth eventually learns that her first impressions were wrong and that Mr. Darcy is the perfect man for her. Her sentiments undergo a complete reversal. The resolution happens “on-screen.”
In Pride and Prejudice, the A-plot is obviously Elizabeth's relationship with Mr. Darcy; the B-plot would be Jane's relationship with Bingley, although it isn't given half as much prominence as Marianne's story is in S&S.
What I find interesting is: Austen flipped the types of romances used for the A- and B-plots of the two novels. Elinor's and Edward's story corresponds with Jane's and Bingley's, while Elizabeth's and Darcy's story corresponds with Marianne's and Brandon's.
The Sisters:
Sense and Sensibility
Pride and Prejudice
The Dashwood sisters are complete opposites: the younger (Marianne) is far livelier than the elder (Elinor), one is quiet and reserved (Elinor) while the other is far more spirited (Marianne), they desire different traits in potential husbands, and judge differently in many situations (ex. Elinor disapproves of Marianne's and Willoughby's constant public displays of affection, but Marianne sees no impropriety in their behavior).
The Bennet sisters are complete opposites: the younger (Elizabeth) is far livelier than the elder (Jane), one is quiet and reserved (Jane) while the other is far more spirited (Elizabeth), they desire different traits in potential husbands, and judge differently in many situations (ex. Elizabeth easily suspects Caroline Bingley of malicious deceit, but Jane initially refuses to).
Elinor is the only level-headed one in her family.
Jane and Elizabeth are the only level-headed ones in their family.
The Dashwoods are put in a dire financial situation following the death of their father unless the girls marry well.
The Bennets are in danger of someday being put in a dire financial situation upon the eventual death of their father unless the girls marry well.
Mr. Henry Dashwood would like to have Norland to provide for his wife and daughters, but it is willed to his son.
Mr. Bennet would like to have Longbourn to provide for his wife and daughters, but it is entailed on his cousin.
Sense and Sensibility: A-Romance
(Elinor/Edward)
Pride and Prejudice: B-Romance
(Jane/Bingley)
Elinor falls in love with a man (Edward) whose mother and siblings want him to marry a rich heiress (Miss Morton). Edward's sister (Fanny) interferes because they think Elinor is beneath him.
Jane falls in love with a man (Bingley) whose friend and sisters want him to marry a rich heiress (Miss Darcy). Bingley's sister (Caroline) interferes because they think Jane is beneath him.
Elinor's mother and sister support her relationship with Edward from the beginning, assuming their marriage is a sure thing.
Jane's family supports her relationship with Bingley from the beginning, and her mother assumes their marriage is a sure thing.
Elinor's family constantly accuse her of being cold and reserved. Marianne does not believe she acts enough like a girl in love.
Charlotte Lucas believes Jane gives no outward signs of encouragement to Bingley; she does not believe Jane acts enough like a girl in love. (Mr. Darcy will later confirm she was right.)
After Edward leaves Barton Cottage, Elinor struggles to hide her feelings, despite her love for him and pain when separated from him. She does not doubt her feelings for him but realizes there is too much opposition from his family.
After Bingley leaves Netherfield, Jane struggles to subdue her feelings, despite her love for him and pain when separated from him. She doubts his feelings for her and senses no opposition from his family.
Elinor learns Edward is “engaged” to Lucy Steele but does not believes he loves her.
Jane is led to believe that Bingley will soon be engaged to Georgiana Darcy. Jane believes he loves Miss Darcy, but Elizabeth does not.
Elinor travels to London. She fears encountering Edward.
Jane travels to London. Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner fear her encountering Bingley, but she doesn't.
Edward's mother and sister snub Elinor when she visits them in London.
Bingley's sister Caroline snubs Jane when she visits her in London.
From here, the parallels fade for awhile because the chief opposition to Elinor's and Edward's romance comes from Mrs. Ferrars, whose P&P counterpart Lady Catherine de Bourgh is not at all involved in Jane's and Bingley's romance.
Elinor gives up hope of ever being married to Edward before he unexpectedly returns to Barton Cottage to propose to her. The actual proposal happens “off-screen.”
Jane gives up of ever being married to Bingley before he unexpectedly returns to Netherfield to propose to her. The actual proposal happens “off-screen.”
The Dashwoods rejoice in the match while Marianne's romance is left to resolve in the far future.
The Bennets rejoice in the match while Elizabeth's romance is left to resolve in the near future.
Sense and Sensibility: B-Romance
(Marianne/Brandon)
Pride and Prejudice: A-Romance
(Elizabeth/Darcy)
Colonel Brandon is an incredibly rich but quiet, socially awkward man who has only loved one woman.
Mr. Darcy is an incredibly rich but quiet, socially awkward man who has never loved a woman.
Marianne's first impression of Brandon is that he is old, infirm, and dull; she is not at all attracted to him and thinks of him as the last man in the world whom she could ever be prevailed on to marry (if never using those exact words).
Elizabeth's first impression of Darcy is that he is rude, proud, and obnoxious; she is not at all attracted to him and thinks of him as “the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry.”
Soon after meeting her, Brandon is enchanted by Marianne's liveliness, wit, and spirit.
Soon after meeting her, Darcy is enchanted by Elizabeth's liveliness, wit, and spirit.
Brandon admires Marianne when others disapprove of her (ex. her defense of Elinor from Mrs. Ferrars' and Fanny's attacks).
Darcy admires Elizabeth when others disapprove of her (ex. walking all the way from Longbourn to Netherfield to check on an ill Jane).
Brandon makes no attempt to converse with or get better acquainted personally with Marianne because he believes he is not good enough for her (especially compared to Willoughby). He settles for admiring her from afar.
Darcy makes no attempt to converse with or get better acquainted personally with Elizabeth because he believes she is not good enough for him. He starts by observing her from afar.
Sir John Middleton and Mrs. Jennings quickly begin joking about Brandon marrying Marianne.
Caroline Bingley quickly begins joking about Darcy marrying Elizabeth.
As Brandon's attraction to her grows, Marianne becomes attracted to the dashing, handsome, charming, charismatic, universally-liked Willoughby.
As Darcy's attraction to her grows, Elizabeth becomes attracted to the dashing, handsome, charming, charismatic, universally-liked Wickham.
Willoughby mocks Brandon, making fun of him in front of Marianne.
Wickham slanders Darcy, lying to Elizabeth about their past and painting his character in a false, horrible light.
Elinor advises Marianne on the impropriety of her relationship with Willoughby. Marianne disagrees with her and doesn't heed her advice.
Mrs. Gardiner advises Elizabeth on the folly of getting too attached to Wickham. Elizabeth disagrees with her but heeds her advice.
Willoughby suddenly has to leave Marianne, and she is heartbroken.
Wickham suddenly begins paying attention to Mary King, and Elizabeth is surprised she is not heartbroken.
The next three events happen in a different order in the two books:
With no warning or immediate explanation, Willoughby abandons Marianne for the wealthy Sophia Grey, devastating the Dashwoods.
With no warning or immediate explanation, Wickham runs off with Lydia, devastating the Bennets.
Willoughby's marriage gives Brandon reason to hope, but he still does not pursue Marianne because he can see it would displease her. He knows how to take “No” for an answer.
Darcy proposes to Elizabeth but leaves when she refuses him. He knows how to take “No” for an answer.
Brandon reveals Willoughby's true character by telling Elinor (who later tells Marianne) the story of how Willoughby seduced and ruined his ward Eliza. The revelation slightly increases Marianne's respect for Brandon. Her first impressions of Willoughby are shattered.
Darcy reveals Wickham's true character in his letter that tells Elizabeth the story of how Wickham tried to seduce his sister Georgiana. The revelation increases Elizabeth's respect for Darcy. Her first impressions of Darcy and Wickham are shattered.
Marianne is disillusioned and humbled by Elinor's conduct compared with her own, particularly because her folly led to a nearly-fatal illness.
Elizabeth is disillusioned and humbled by Darcy's letter, particularly because she always prided herself on the contrast of her conduct with her sister's.
Brandon comes to Edward's rescue by offering him the Delaford living and earns Marianne's gratitude when he brings her mother to her during her illness.
Darcy comes to the Bennet family's rescue and earns Elizabeth's gratitude by bringing about Lydia's marriage to Wickham.
Marianne shocks Mrs. Ferrars by standing up to her and defending Elinor. Brandon is impressed as he watches it. (out of order)
Elizabeth shocks Lady Catherine by standing up to her and defending herself. Darcy is pleased when he hears about it. (The corresponding scene happened much earlier in S&S.)
Marianne eventually learns that her first impressions were wrong and that Colonel Brandon is the perfect man for her. Her sentiments undergo a complete reversal. The resolution happens entirely “off-screen.”
Elizabeth eventually learns that her first impressions were wrong and that Mr. Darcy is the perfect man for her. Her sentiments undergo a complete reversal. The resolution happens “on-screen.”